10 thoughts on the Maple Leafs and what it means for defining Game 7

were uniformly excellent in one of the best hockey games of Toronto's season -- in Tampa Bay, trying to knock out a scrapping, counter-punching group of recent champions. It was a heartbreaker for the Leafs, who didn’t shrink from the moment but rather rose to it, taking the bulk of the second half play to the Lightning as they pushed to land the final blow.

There are few surprises left in this series. You know the cast of characters, and the stage is plainly set. But I do have 10 thoughts after watching four periods of thrilling hockey on Thursday night, to put things under a little closer microscope.He is not unheralded. He’s a Norris Trophy-winning, Conn Smythe-winning, Stanley Cup-winning future Hall-of-Famer. He gets his due. But Game 6 was a reminder that he’s the most important cog in the Lightning machine .

One thing I’ve come to recognize over the years watching this Leafs team is that the guys who show up early asand the play -- even when the plays don’t go well -- end up being the guys who score the big goals. I thought both Nylander and Kerfoot were “all around it” in Game 6. There were a lot of good plays, some bad, but nonetheless involved. I’ve said this before, but past iterations of the Leafs have failed when guys have disappeared meekly into the night.

Michael Bunting has found his stride and taken back his spot on the top line as well. And Colin Blackwell’s speed has been a noticeable asset on the forecheck, where his tenacity provides a pop of energy when game play starts to lag a bit.Two of the above three players felt like the Leafs’ secret weapons heading into this playoff series, a couple of guys who had taken steps over the course of the season to go from just fill-in guys to legitimate difference makers.

jtbourne With the Junos going on, the traffic in the Downtown core will be at a stand still,😢

jtbourne Mitch MARNER will be busy tomorrow ...

jtbourne Here’s one thought/question? How on earth was a high sticking call reviewed last night and the phantom call on Kampf not? How can these 2 situations co-exist in the same league and not destroy all credibility?

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